SUMTER, S.C. — The parents of a high school student with autism in Sumter, South Carolina, say their son and other students with disabilities were required to clean the school cafeteria. Jeremiah and Felicia Sams expressed disbelief regarding the alleged events involving their son, Will, at Lakewood High School.
According to Jeremiah Sams, his son, who is on the autism spectrum, recently returned home from school and explained he had to clean cafeteria tables and floors after other students had finished eating. When asked for more detail, Will reportedly told his father, “Oh, well, we have to go in and clean, and they give us gloves and a bucket.” Jeremiah Sams initially thought he might be misunderstanding the situation, believing something was not right and that there was no way one group of children would be tasked with all of this.
Jeremiah Sams stated he spoke with school leaders the following day. During this discussion, he was informed that his son and other students were cleaning the cafeteria as part of a “work study program.” However, Sams said he realized that only students with disabilities were involved in this activity, leading him to label it as discriminatory. He emphasized his view that if a single group is chosen to do a specific task, “It’s black and white,” indicating discrimination.
The Sumter School District responded to the allegations in a statement. The district affirmed its commitment to providing students enrolled in employability classes with learning experiences designed to prepare them for life beyond high school. The statement explained that through employability classes and individualized life skills instruction, students develop practical skills aimed at promoting independence, building confidence, and supporting their transition into adulthood.
According to the district's statement, students are offered a variety of activities to help them practice life skills and develop employability-related competencies. These activities include clearing cafeteria tables, selling popcorn and slushies for classroom fundraisers, and creating crafts. The district's statement also mentioned that these activities are discussed during federally required annual team meetings with parents or guardians.
However, Jeremiah Sams stated that his son was not enrolled in an employability class. Following his meeting with school leaders, Sams reported that the school contacted him to inform him that the “work study program” had been discontinued. The Sumter School District’s statement confirmed that its “life skills activities and any alternative approaches” are currently under review to ensure they support the goals of each student.
While Jeremiah Sams acknowledged the cessation of the program as a positive step, he believes more action is necessary. He expressed a need for significant change within the school system, advocating for greater accountability in how these children are monitored and supported. The district’s full statement reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with families to ensure students receive instruction and support that respect their individual needs and prepare them for success beyond the classroom.